The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 training camp is one of the more anticipated ones in recent team history given all the big changes that were made during the offseason. On Monday, camp saw the team go through its first padded practice of the year. Ahead of it, new head coach Mike McCarthy met with reporters to discuss some of the key headlines. With many changes to the roster, he is not only tasked with working with this group for the first time, but evaluating the play to eventually finalize the roster ahead of his inaugural season coaching in the Steel City.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy coaching team during veteran minicamp in 2026.
Joining his staff for what will also be his first year with the organization is new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. He arrives after coming over from the Las Vegas Raiders. Both the offense and the defense need to turn things around for the Black and Gold this season, as both of them underperformed due to inconsistent play during the 2025 season. The one thing playing in their favor is that the front office was proactive in its approach in adding help this offseason on both sides of the football.
During the media session ahead of practice, the Pittsburgh head coach was asked about the safety position. One thing to take note of is that the team is deep at the strong safety position, but still have questions looming about the free safety spot. This comes despite the team signing Jaquan Brisker this offseason and recently signing safety Rayshawn Jenkins as well.
“No I think you make an excellent point,” McCarthy said. “I think it’s clearly some of the conversations we’ve been in, as far as the range of our safeties, and then also that carries over to Danny Crossman and how we’re going to utilize those DBs on special teams. So yes, the point is well made, and it’s definitely something we’re looking at.”
One point of emphasis on the state of the team so far that McCarthy added was that he is staying very in tune with how all positional groups are performing. This strategic approach can be critical for a turnaround on both sides of the football. We've already seen several different combinations at safety this past week, and it's apparent that this new coaching staff is doing their due diligence on which players will fit best in the secondary.
Steelers Have Two Key Aspects To Execute Under McCarthy In 2026
One key thing to look for given the comments made about the safety position is the potential for positional flexibility. Adding Jenkins this past weekend brings in a low-risk versatile option at that position. Brisker, who is also known to be a highly versatile safety, could get looks alongside the newest signing at the free safety spot given McCarthy's emphasis on liking players with positional flexibility.
Another thing that he emphasized is his clear focus on improving communication for the Black and Gold overall. This is something that created big lapses in 2025 and led to huge splash plays by opposing offenses. Graham also made mention of it this offseason and how he will look to improve communication. Communication, specifically when it comes to knowing where to be and where your teammates are, can go a long way in improving play.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker works out during Phase One of voluntary offseason workouts in 2026 at the UPMC Sports Rooney Complex.
These two aspects of the team's play will be key in determining if they can once again find success on the field in the 2026 season. It would be a big win if their first head coach in nearly 20 years finds a way to deliver playoff success. The roster definitely appears to be better on paper than they did heading into the 2025 season, but that has to translate onto the field in the upcoming campaign.
What do you think about McCarthy's latest comments on the safety position and the team's overall depth there at this point in training camp? Be sure to follow us for more Steelers news!
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